How to Open Hard- Shelled Oyster

This is the oyster reefs in Pangasinan Hundred Islands. Oysters are abundant in this area.

Like mussels, oysters are in season in the coldest months of the year. I was told,before the distribution, Oysters was kept for 3 days in purification tanks, with water continously washing through them to remove any pollution. Oysters can be eaten raw or cooked. According to my source, eat them on the day you buy them.

OPENING OYSTERS

Hold shell in palm or hand,with hinge against palm. Insert knife between halves. Holding shell firmly, cut around opening. Twist knife up slightly to pry open shell. Put top shell half up with thumb.

Cut both muscles free from 2 halves of shell. To serve oysters on the half shell, remove one half of the shell. Remove top shell, loosen oyster with knife. Turn oyster over and return to washed and dried shell for serving.

Note: They must be alive when bought and cook immediately. Choose an oyster with a shell tightly closed.Wash them well in several changes of water to ensure safety. Discard any oyster that are open and remain floating in the water.